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16/04/10
Travel Agents working round the clock to deal with impact of Ash

Travel Agents working round the clock to deal with impact of Ash.
 
“We’re here 24/7 to find solutions for our clients” – Dawson

Friday, 16th April 2010.  Amid the chaos caused by volcanic ash closing Irish Air Space, and uncertainty surrounding its reopening, ITAA report that Travel Agents around the country are working round the clock to find solutions for their clients.

“If you ever want to distinguish between booking online and with an agent – then this is it” Says Pat Dawson, ITAA President, “Our members are proactively working with clients 24/7, many opening over the weekend and this is all part of the service and back up we offer for free”

 For Business clients, Rhona McCann, Reservations Manager with FCM, says It’s less “Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ and more a case of “Trains, Cars & Ferries” as they to work out the best way to get their valued corporate clients home.

Tour Operators are in constant contact with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and whilst some flights have been rescheduled for tomorrow, they are expecting delays. Updates are posted on Tour Operator websites and additional staff planned to work over the weekend.

Agents around the country are actively contacting all their clients with updates and rebooking options. In Ennis, Geroid Mannion, Mannion Travel, acted fast to get his client rebooked on a flight to Cayayan De Oro in The Philippines and reports “We’ve emailed all our clients and we have over 50% of our clients rebooked out of Shannon. Naturally, we are prioritising those clients who have booked all their travel arrangements with us.”

In Cork, Brendan Barry, East Cork Travel, is working across the time zones to communicate with his clients and suppliers in China and Shanghai “Because we have such good working relationships with our suppliers we are able to push out dates with no cancellation charges.  Those who have pieced their own trip together on the net might not be so lucky when trying to negotiate with a range of suppliers they don’t know”

Pat Dawson, ITAA President and owner of Dawson Travel, Cork is opening this Saturday to provide updates to clients “Our clients are mighty glad they booked with us – we‘re keeping them informed and rebooking them as best we can.  We’ve a couple going out to Tenerife and because we know our suppliers well, there will be no extra charges for changing arrival date and they can head off and enjoy their full holiday”

Ends

For further information Pat Dawson, ITAA President 087 2116998  or Dervla O'Neill (01) 6794179 



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